Language Development in Infancy

http://youtu.be/X2KV3il-dBs

This video clearly demonstrates how to play with an infant in a manner that is not only engaging for the infant (probably gets old for the adult) but also reinforces the infant's language development. The infant and adult are both using "cooing" as a form of communication. This is the foundation of how children learn the "your turn then my turn" of a conversation.

Try having many of the "conversations" with your infant. Go further, too, and speak with your infant about what is happening in their environment while allowing them to have their end of the "conversation". For example, as you are holding the infant in your arms getting ready to lay them down to change their diaper: "I'm going to lay you down for a diaper." (PAUSE) Infant may or may not respond physically or with cooing. "Let's pull your pants down." (PAUSE) Infant may or may not respond. Adult notices child is looking up a the ceiling. "Hmmm I see you looking up there. What do you see?" (PAUSE). Infant may or may not respond.....I think you get the picture! This type of "conversation" is simple and it connects to the everyday events that your infant is already a part of, which not only promotes language development but also cognitive and social development.